Join in on the Summer Reading Program fun

The Atlantic City Public Library has kicked off its Summer Reading Program for children and teenagers. Steel Pier in Atlantic City is a sponsor of this year’s Summer Reading Program. Contact the Youth Services Department at (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050, to see how you can qualify for free rides and free snacks at Steel Pier for our end-of-summer party on Aug. 17. The rain date for this party will be Aug. 24. Please call Youth Services to find out whether the party will be moved to the rain date.

Tween Days in the Teen LoungeSaturdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Not quite a teen yet? You are invited to rock out in the Teen Lounge and play video games. Participants need a library card in good standing to participate.

Family Story Time and CraftThursdays, July 6, 20, 27, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.Features stories, songs, creative movement and simple crafts for ages 3-5. Story times are a fun way to help children develop skills they will need to be ready to read. Childcare groups are asked to call in advance.

Baby Bounce and Play GroupThursdays, July 6, 20, 27, from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.Introduce infants to the world of sounds and stories. Stories, songs, rhymes and movement help build pre-reading skills. An informal playgroup immediately follows this story time.

Paws to Read to Sophie the PoodleTuesdays, July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 8 from 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4-10 can sign up to read to Sophie, a certified therapy dog. Participating children should not be fearful of dogs or have pet allergies.

Summer STEM Projects(In collaboration with the Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County Rutgers)Wednesday, July 26, from 2-3 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 2-3 p.m.Hands-on science fun for kids. Can gardens grow without soil? Learn about, build and maintain a hydroponic garden right inside the library. Ages 9-17. Registration is required.

Saturday, July 29, from 3-4:30 p.m.Use recycled plastic bottles to make a car that moves. Ages 9-17.

ADDITIONAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Strange World of ReptilesThursday, July 6 from 1-2 p.m.This interactive presentation features live reptiles and amphibians! All ages.

Crochet CircleIn Collaboration with Family Success CenterFriday, July 7, at 1 p.m.Teens, learn the basics of crochet; chain, single crochet and double crochet. Crochet hooks and yarn will be provided or bring your own!

STARS Comics WorkshopMonday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m.STARS is designed to use comic book art and imagery as a vehicle to foster creativity and promote literacy. Participants will create their own characters. Ages 9-12. The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) will lead the program.SciencetellersThursday, July 13, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Sciencetellers will make things fly, spin, move and soar while telling a series of stories! Kids will experience the science of power and energy through hands-on experiments! Ages 5-12.

Unplugged Game Day @ The LibraryFriday, July 14, from 2-4 p.m.Fun and games without electricity! Join us for board and card games — a great family activity. Ages 6-16

Around the World with YosiThursday, July 20, from 1-2 p.m.A multicultural, interactive and educational concert with songs, humor and dances, plus hands-on exploration of various instruments from other countries. All ages.

Our Marine Mammals and TurtlesFriday, July 21, from 1-2 p.m.Discover which types of marine mammals and sea turtles come to New Jersey and the dangers they face while here. Learn about the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and how it helps our marine mammal friends. All ages.

Storytelling with Animal BalloonsThursday, July 27, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Miss Cheryl Anne tells stories with the help of colorful animal balloon characters. Ages 3-8

Choo Choo CharlieWednesday, Aug. 3, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Choo Choo Charlie will take you on a magical adventure with train effects, magic and comedy. Ages 5-9.

Bubble Time FunThursday, Aug. 10, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Colorful rainbows of bubbles in all shapes and sizes. Ages 6-12.

End of Summer Reading Program CelebrationThursday, Aug. 17Celebrate the end of our summer program.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Summer Reading Program Kickoff AfterpartyThursday, June 29, from 4:30-6 p.m.Teens are invited to stay after the official summer kickoff for an afterparty.

Super Smash Bros U TournamentMonday, July 3, from 2-6 p.m.Teens vs. New Adults! Join us for a tournament featuring the new Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U! Sign up to compete, or be a spectator and cheer on your friends. Winner gets a trophy. Participants must have a library card in good standing.

Superhero/Superheroine CreationMonday, July 10, at 1 p.m.Participants will explore uses for ancient mythology, neo-mythology and related media to create unique and innovative characters. Workshop participants will design, create and advance their own characters and storylines. Ages 11-17. The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) will lead the program.Yoga BasicsTuesdays, July 11, 18 and Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, at 4 p.m.Basic yoga instruction provided by Leadership Studio of Atlantic City. Ages 12 and older.Teen Advisory Group (TAG)Saturdays, July 15, 29; Aug. 12, 26, from 1-2 p.m.TAG is our volunteering group for ages 13-18. Help the library decide what resources teens want and need, and assist with library programs, all while earning volunteer hours.

Acting Workshop with Leonard DozierSaturday, July 15, from 2-4 p.m.Telling the Truth is an intensive acting course taught by actor Leonard Dozier. The seminar will cover: core concepts of acting for the camera and the stage, plus the predominant techniques used in the profession today and how to find the technique that helps you be most truthful. Ages 15-18.

TAG Age Out Party and ElectionSaturday, July 29, from 3-5 p.m.Join us for a party honoring our TAG members who have graduated as they age out of Youth Services. We will elect our 2016-2017 TAG officers at the party. Alumni welcome.

End of Summer Reading Program CelebrationThursday, Aug. 17Celebrate the end of our summer program.

TEEN ENTREPRENEUR SERIESThis series is conducted by Carol Waties, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Stockton University.

Business Plan 101Tuesday, July 11, from 2-3 p.m.Are you interested in starting a business? Join us to learn about entrepreneurship and how to write a business plan as well as creating your marketing and financial plans. A business plan is an essential roadmap for business success.

Business Plan ReviewTuesday, July 18, from 2-3 p.m.Part II: Waties will review your business plan following the Business Plan 101 Seminar.

Crafting a Winning Elevator PitchTuesday, July 25, from 2-3 p.m.An elevator pitch is an ideal method to create a positive impression, generate conversations and contribute to your brand.

Presenting Your Elevator PitchTuesday, Aug. 1, from 2-3 p.m.Have you perfected your two-minute elevator pitch? Are you ready to discuss what problem your business solves, your target market, projected sales revenue and profits, and all other information necessary to communicate what you do and why?